Pro-Israel GOP Senate Candidate Asks AIPAC Not to Support Him Publicly Amid Rival Concerns

Mike Rogers, a pro-Israel Republican Senate candidate in Michigan, has requested that the influential pro-Israel lobby AIPAC refrain from publicly endorsing his campaign. This unusual move, reported by Axios on August 23, 2026, reflects the declining influence and controversial perception of AIPAC within U.S. politics, particularly amid growing Democratic criticism of the lobby.

Rogers and his team believe that AIPAC's support could inadvertently strengthen his Democratic opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, a vocal critic of Israel who recently won the Democratic primary. Following Rogers' request, AIPAC canceled a pre-produced video attack ad targeting El-Sayed. Despite this, AIPAC has invested over $30 million in the Democratic primaries and planned to spend tens of millions more in the general election against El-Sayed.

The candidate's camp suggested alternative ways for AIPAC donors to support Rogers indirectly, such as channeling funds through a supporting foundation or a joint fundraising entity with the Republican Party, to avoid direct association. However, AIPAC was displeased with these proposals, insisting on a visible role in defeating El-Sayed, arguing that Rogers would be linked to the pro-Israel lobby regardless.

The dispute has strained relations between Rogers and AIPAC, prompting Republican intermediaries, including Jewish donors connected to both sides, to mediate. El-Sayed is known for his sharp criticism of Israel, refusing to acknowledge its right to exist as a Jewish state and comparing it to Hamas, while Rogers maintains strong pro-Israel positions.

This episode highlights the challenges facing AIPAC as its standing erodes amid partisan divisions over Israel in the U.S., with some Democratic candidates openly attacking the lobby and framing it as a negative influence on American politics.